Sonographic appearances of meniscal cysts.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to define the sonographic appearances of cysts of the tibial menisci.


METHODS
Thirteen cases of meniscal cyst, proven by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were assessed using high-resolution sonography, and results of the 2 imaging modalities were correlated.


RESULTS
Seven meniscal cysts were lateral to the joint line, and 6 were located medially. MRI showed all 13 cysts to be associated with a tear of the adjoining meniscus. On sonograms, cyst size varied from 9 to 56 mm. Echotexture varied from uniformly hypoechoic or hypoechoic with echogenic septa to heterogeneously hyperechoic. Septated cysts were demonstrated by MRI and sonography.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of their diverse echo patterns, meniscal cysts may be easily mistaken for soft-tissue tumors, ganglions, or other lesions, which may result in surgery being inappropriately recommended. This is particularly true in the case of echogenic cysts. The cardinal sonographic characteristic of a meniscal cyst is its continuity with the meniscus, not its echotexture.
Seymour
R
R
Department of Radiology, Cardiff Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
Lloyd
D C
DC
D000328:Adult; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003560:Cysts / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008592:Menisci, Tibial / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000070600:Tibial Meniscus Injuries; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods